Refinishing the Cabin Sole

dacap06 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-19-2010

Gang,

I am in need of your sage advice.

Come Spring I want to refinish my cabin sole. Googling had told me y'all universally recommend Ultimate Sole, but the situation is as I feared after reading the pertinent threads here on Sailnet. Apparently the company making Ultimate Sole is out of business. I can find no web address for them and no on-line company lists Ultimate Sole in their stock. I called Fawcett Boat Supplies in Annapolis, who is listed in one of those threads as a distributor, and they say they haven't had any in stock since 2006. Ouch!

So what is a gold alternative that meets all the usual criteria? Glossy, scratch-resistant, wears well with heavy foot traffic, not slick when wet ...

Thanks,

Tom

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 12-19-2010

I don't think there's a gold alternative yet... the demise of Ultimate Sole is a tragedy...

Sabreman · #3 (**permalink**) 12-19-2010

We've used MinWax Gloss SparUrethane on our last 2 boats. It's extremely durable, easy to apply, and readily available. I'm very fussy about finishes and this one fits the bill. A photo of a 3 year old finish on our sole and tabletop follows:

VICTORIA (and her mistress)

mitiempo · #4 (**permalink**) 12-19-2010

Not sure of the product, but what is used on gymnasium floors and basketball courts might work well.

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 12-19-2010

I just spoke with one of my friends and found that she used a finish that is normally used on bar countertops and has been pretty happy with it. It was a two-part, epoxy-based finish IIRC. Very tough, waterproof, and not very slippery when wet. She didn't remember what it was called, but it is on its third season so far and looks like it is holding up well.

canadianseamonkey · #6 (**permalink**) 12-20-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sabreman

We've used MinWax Gloss SparUrethane on our last 2 boats. It's extremely durable, easy to apply, and readily available. I'm very fussy about finishes and this one fits the bill. A photo of a 3 year old finish on our sole and tabletop follows:

VICTORIA (and her mistress)

I second that recommendation. I had used another product prior and was very disapointed, so I resanded the sole and started over using the MinWax product. Great wet look and very durable.

svHyLyte · #7 (**permalink**) 12-20-2010

We also had our best result with Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors - Hardwood Floor Finishing in Semi-gloss. I expected to need a recoat about every 2nd year but that has been unnecessary.

FWIW...

Minnewaska · #8 (**permalink**) 12-20-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

I just spoke with one of my friends and found that she used a finish that is normally used on bar countertops and has been pretty happy with it. It was a two-part, epoxy-based finish IIRC. Very tough, waterproof, and not very slippery when wet. She didn't remember what it was called, but it is on its third season so far and looks like it is holding up well.

I've used this as intended for a bar top. Great stuff for a sturdy finish. Available at Home Depot.

However, it takes a long time to dry and seeks a level, so I would think you would have to do it with the sole removed.

dacap06 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-20-2010

From the sound of it, a floor-type polyurethane is a good bet. I'm not really up for a two part formula that requires removal of the entire sole. I'd rather tackle it in place with removal of the trim. I'll see about taking some pictures to post when I'm finished.

Tom

chef2sail · #10 (**permalink**) 12-20-2010

great pictures of Vicotria. She is a beaut.

Dave